My MBA program gave me the channels and resources to step into stronger management positions in tech and, more importantly, taught me how to position myself in the corporate world. It helped me take my past experiences and synthesize them into a clear, forward-looking story. The second year was especially valuable because it allowed me to explore courses I was genuinely interested in, like consumer behavior and marketing strategy, which deepened my understanding of how businesses grow and connect with customers. On a personal level, it gave me a diverse group of friends and connections who remain a big part of my life and also helped me settle into a new city after graduation.
Rotman’s Business Design course gave me hands-on experience with human-centric design thinking and how to apply it to marketing strategy. This is especially relevant today as businesses face rapid shifts in customer expectations and technology, where the ability to design around real human needs is paramount to delivering lasting value and differentiation.
The MBA reshaped how I think about leadership by teaching me to manage group dynamics and communicate effectively under pressure. The negotiations course in particular showed me how to handle conflict constructively, and it reinforced the importance of keeping the lines of communication open as a leader. This gave me the confidence to navigate stressful deadlines and high-stakes decisions with more clarity.
One common myth is that the MBA is just a long networking party. In reality, it’s a balancing act between academics, recruiting, networking, self-reflection, and socializing. Another misconception is that you need a specific career background to succeed or break into certain industries. I saw classmates make dramatic pivots through sheer hard work, which showed me that what really matters is how you use your time in the program, not just what you did beforehand.
Connect with alumni or current students whose paths align with your interests. Talking to them helps you understand how to make the most of the school’s resources and clarify your own goals. It also gives you stronger examples to draw on in essays and interviews when explaining why you want to join the program.
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